Tips to take back your yard this summer from ticks and mosquitoes

The Centers for Disease Control just released new numbers on Lyme disease; there are now 300,000 cases every year. West Nile Virus is also reported on the rise, especially in areas close to water.

Despite the disconcerting news about an uptick in pests, I want people to feel empowered to take back their outdoor spaces and enjoy spending time outside.

There are things people can do in their own backyards to protect themselves from ticks and mosquitoes. The first step is to walk around your back yard and take notice. Here are the recommended tips people can do to help prevent ticks and mosquitoes in their outdoor spaces:

The 6 Cs to tick-proof your yard

1. Clear out. Reduce your tick exposure by clearing out areas where lawn and tree debris gathers. Ticks thrive in moist, shady areas and tend to die in sunny, dry areas. Locate compost piles away from play areas or high traffic. Separate them with wood chips or gravel. Don’t position playground equipment, decks and patios near treed areas.

2. Clean. Eliminate leaf litter and brush by cleaning it up around the house and lawn edges, mow tall grasses and keep your lawn short.

3. Choose plants. Select plants and shrubs that are not attractive to deer and/or install physical barriers to keep deer out of your yard. Check with your local nursery to determine the best choices for your area.

5. Care for family pets. Family pets can suffer from tick-borne disease and also carry infected ticks into the home. Talk to your veterinarian about using tick collars and sprays. As with all pest control products, be sure to follow directions carefully.

6. Calls the pros. Professionals utilize both barrier sprays that can kill live ticks on the spot as well as “tick tubes.” Strategically placed, “tick tubes” prompt field mice to incorporate tick-killing material in their bedding, effectively eliminating hundreds of tick nymphs found in each mouse nest.

Mosquito Control Tips

1. Tip. Reduce standing water to eliminate mosquito threats, including those in children’s sandboxes, wagons or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts, in plant saucers and dog bowls. Other hot spots include tarps, gutters and flat roofs.

5. Treat. Utilize a mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard. Using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug spray on the body. Mosquito Squad’s treatments eliminate up to 90 percent of the mosquitoes and ticks on a property.

6. Take care. Home maintenance can be a deciding factor in property values and mosquito bites. Clean gutters, make sure downspouts are attached properly. Re-grade areas where water stands more than a few hours, remove fallen branches and hollow trees or logs. Check irrigation systems for leaks, keep lawn height low and weed areas.

7. Team up. Despite taking all precautions in your own home, talking with neighbors is a key component to mosquito, and tick, control. Townhomes and homes with little space between lots mean that mosquitoes can breed at a neighbor’s home, and affect your property.

Arthur Rodrigues is an owner/operator of a Mosquito Squad in Fall River and South Shore. Email fallriver@mosquitosquad.com.